Multiple sclerosis and COVID-19: A retrospective study in Iran

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Previous studies indicated a higher COVID-19 infection rate in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to the general population.
• Limited research existed on COVID-19's impact and vaccination outcomes for MS patients in Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with COVID-19 infection in MS patients.
• To assess the effects and side effects of COVID-19 vaccination in this cohort.
• To explore demographic and vaccination-related variables influencing clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from 367 MS patients at a referral clinic in Kerman, Iran.
• Exploration of associations between demographic variables, COVID-19 vaccination history, and clinical outcomes.
• Multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for COVID-19 infection and vaccine side effects.

Main Results:

• 88.3% of MS patients received COVID-19 vaccination, with a significant decrease in infection incidence post-vaccination (24.5% pre-vaccination vs. 10.1% post-vaccination).
• Male gender (OR=2.64) and current employment (OR=3.04) were significantly associated with increased COVID-19 risk.
• AstraZeneca was the only vaccine type linked to adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 vaccination provided substantial protection against infection for MS patients in Iran.
• Adverse vaccine side effects were generally not high, though AstraZeneca was associated with more frequent occurrences.
• Male gender and employment status are key factors influencing COVID-19 prevalence in multiple sclerosis patients.